Haiti: Five Departments Placed on Orange Alert Ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa
By La Rédaction · Port-au-Prince
· 2 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
PORT-AU-PRINCE.— Tropical Storm Melissa is strengthening in the Caribbean Sea and could become a hurricane by the end of the week. Haitian authorities are calling for caution and preparation. The storm could reach hurricane status before the end of the week, according to the latest bulletin from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Haiti is now in the direct threat zone, while five departments: Sud, Sud-Est, Grande Anse, Nippes, and Ouest have been placed on orange alert by national authorities.
A Nearly Stationary System Off the Haitian Coast
In its report published at 5:00 a.m., NOAA indicates that Melissa remains almost stationary, progressing slowly towards the west-northwest at approximately 6 km/h. This slowness increases the risks of prolonged exposure to strong winds and heavy rainfall, particularly for the Tiburon Peninsula, in the southwest of the country.
The storm's center was located at 15.0°N and 74.9°W, approximately 485 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince. Sustained winds currently reach 85 km/h, with stronger gusts, and are expected to continue strengthening over the next 48 hours.
High Risks of Flooding and Landslides
Melissa could generate torrential rains of 12 to 25 centimeters over Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica over the weekend, leading to sudden floods, significant rises in water levels, and potentially deadly landslides.
Additional showers are also expected beyond Sunday, according to weather forecasts.
Reinforced Preventive Measures
Facing the threat, the Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti (SEMANAH) has prohibited all cabotage activities on the southern coast until further notice.
Concurrently, a hurricane watch has been issued for the southwestern peninsula, from the Dominican border to Port-au-Prince; a measure indicating that cyclonic conditions could occur within the next 48 hours.
In coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Protection (DGPC) and the Permanent Secretariat for Risk Management, the Hydro-Meteorological Unit of Haiti (UHM) calls on the population to complete without delay the necessary preparations to protect lives and property.
Safety Instructions and Call for Calm
Authorities reiterate several essential measures:
avoid crossing rivers or ravines;
do not seek shelter under trees during thunderstorms;
secure important documents and pets;
provide assistance to vulnerable individuals. They also urge the population to follow only official bulletins and not to give in to rumors. As the country holds its breath, the prospect of Melissa intensifying into a hurricane worries authorities and observers. Haiti, already weakened by the humanitarian crisis and the erosion of its infrastructure, could experience one of the most concerning cyclonic episodes of recent years, if forecasts are confirmed. Jean Mapou
avoid crossing rivers or ravines;
do not seek shelter under trees during thunderstorms;
secure important documents and pets;
provide assistance to vulnerable individuals. They also urge the population to follow only official bulletins and not to give in to rumors. As the country holds its breath, the prospect of Melissa intensifying into a hurricane worries authorities and observers. Haiti, already weakened by the humanitarian crisis and the erosion of its infrastructure, could experience one of the most concerning cyclonic episodes of recent years, if forecasts are confirmed. Jean Mapou